Life style
Model to bridge the food gap with organic home gardens – A school in Godagama sets an example
Organic Gardening has become a part of the school culture of the Godegama Subharathi Maha Vidyalaya. The School Home Garden Program has brought with it a contented mind and the produce contributes to a healthy diet.
The Students of the School do not take the food they eat for granted. They are not taken as a matter of course. Seeds have to be collected and tended in Nurseries. The small plants have to be cared for and protected from predators and weeds. The plants have to have organic nutrients and water. Transplanting has to be carefully done and the plants nurtured to grow up and blossom and be ready for Harvesting. Then the Home Science Teachers will work with students on preparing the nutritious meals.
As the project expands, the idea is to make the Home Garden advance to Market Gardening in the surrounding villages, which will involve training in marketing the produce. This will be looked at, by the students doing A Level Commerce.
Distributing plants to be grown in the homes of the students
Over time, home gardening will be incorporated into subjects like Biology so that those subjects will get a new dimension and acquire a new life. The Home Garden will be the Laboratory without any extra cost to the school.
The Subharathi Maha Vidyalaya Home Garden program has been working from its inception with Nest, a Community based organization in Mental Health. Home Gardens and Organic Agriculture are an integral part of School initiative.
This program started in November 2022. The aim of was to create an organic garden in the College premises and then to create 150 gardens in the homes of the students.The first phase was to conduct a training program on organic gardening for fifty students studying agriculture as a subject in the school.
The Home Garden at the school experimented with the “Isuru” variety of Kiri Ala developed by the Department of Agriculture. High quality seedlings from a nursery in Kandy approved by the Department of Agriculture was procured for this purpose. The special feature of this improved variety is that more yields can be obtained in less time and It is also easy to maintain.
Suitable soil for this purpose from the college garden was of great importance. For a start, enriched soil was brought from outside. Coir and Dahaiya were added to the soil making it suitable for yam cultivation. The environmentally friendly the grow bags were filled with soil and coconut husks. All these activities were done in a manner that students were drawn into preparing the bags, thereby gaining practical experience. The parents were involved in preparing the soil.
Food and nutrition crisis in the country has made planting yams vital to supplement the vegetables plots in the gardens. Yams acts as substitute for wheat flour and rice. A crop of 400 kg is expected from the first lot of 70 plants which are being grown.
Mount Lavinia Hotel, known as “Galkissa Maha Hotalaya had thier “Avurudu Maha Gedara” celebration for the 2025 Sinhala and Tamil New Year. This year’s festivities were spectacular, with the iconic Chef Publis Silva at the helm of the culinary offerings.
The concept of “Avurudu Maha Gedara” – the grand ancestral home where families gather during New Year – perfectly embodies Mount Lavinia Hotel’s role as a cultural cornerstone in the community. Just as in the traditional village “Maha gedara” welcomes extended families, the historic hotel opens its doors to all Sri Lankans and visitors wishing to experience authentic New Year traditions.
“Avurudu Maha Gedara at Mount Lavinia Hotel is more than just a celebration – it’s our way of preserving and sharing Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage,” says Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group. “We take pride in creating a space where families and friends can come together to experience the joy and traditions of the New Year in an authentic setting that honors our collective past while creating new memories.”
Grand Kavili Kade opening and Avurudu market
The celebrations kicked off with the grand opening of the Kavili Kade (sweetmeat shop) on Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 PM. Visitors were treated to a vibrant cultural spectacle featuring traditional dancing, music, games, and dramatic performances. Distinguished guests including corporate partners, business associates, ambassadors, and media representatives attended this colorful inauguration.
The hotel’s courtyard was transformed into an eco-friendly Avurudu Market, showcasing special New Year items, homeware, and decorative pieces. Following the grand opening, the Kavili Kade will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 8 PM until April 13th.
Exquisite Kavili hampers
For those looking to bring the flavors of Avurudu home, Mount Lavinia Hotel has curated three distinctive kavili hampers named after beloved Sri Lankan flora:
The premium Erabadu Hamper – the most comprehensive sweetmeat collection
The Ehela Hamper – a delightful mid-range offering
The Bakmee Hamper ) – a perfect introduction to traditional treats
Each hamper can be delivered directly to your doorstep, making them ideal both for family celebrations and as meaningful gifts during the New Year season.
“Feast of the Nation” – A Culinary Journey Across Sri Lanka
On Avurudu Day, Mount Lavinia Hotel will host its renowned “Feast of the Nation” lunch buffet, celebrating Sri Lanka’s diverse culinary heritage. At , this extraordinary buffet transcends ethnic boundaries, offering a comprehensive journey through the island’s rich culinary landscape. The feast features authentic dishes from every corner of Sri Lanka, bringing together the distinct flavors and cooking traditions that represent the country’s multicultural identity in one magnificent spread.
“The Avurudu celebration at Mount Lavinia Hotel represents the true spirit of Sri Lankan unity,” Dewapura continued. ” Through our traditional foods, we honor the cultural tapestry that makes our nation so special.”
Mount Lavinia Hotel’s “Avurudu Maha Gedara” welcomes Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of the New Year in the magnificent setting of this historic landmark.
For reservations and inquiries, contact Mount Lavinia Hotel at 0112 711 711.
This April, Cinnamon Grand Colombo brings the joyous essence of Avurudu alive with a line-up of delightful culinary experiences, cultural festivities, and memorable moments for the whole family. Here’s how you can celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with flavour, tradition, and warmth said the press release.
New Year vibes
The release said experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a truly Sri Lankan New Year from 12–15 April 2025, starting from 5 PM onwards at the Lobby.
Watch live demonstrations of traditional sweetmeats being made, like kawum and kokis, and enjoy the rhythmic beats of raban drums as the hotel lobby transforms into a celebration of Avurudu culture.
Lobby – Cinnamon Grand Colombo
12–15 April, from 5 PM onwards
Call +94 11 247 3494 for details
Celebrate Avurudu Tradition and taste at Nuga Gama
On 14 April 2025, step into a truly authentic village-style Avurudu celebration at Nuga Gama. Starting at 8 AM, guests can enjoy a lavish Kavili Table and Lunch Buffet filled with traditional sweets and festive Sri Lankan dishes.
There’ll also be Avurudu games and vibrant activities to keep the whole family entertained.
This Sinhala and Tamil New Year, step away from the ordinary and embrace the spirit of Avurudu at Sun Siyam Pasikudah with the joyous rhythms of tradition, community, and coastal serenity, under the vibrant theme, Festival of the Sun said a press release
Set along the golden shores of Pasikudah, the luxury five-star beach resort transforms into a festive haven where timeless rituals meet joyful recreation. From traditional ceremonies to fun-filled family games, guests are promised an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Sri Lankan heritage, celebrating the essence of togetherness, gratitude, and renewal release said.
As the sun rises to mark the dawn of the New Year, guests will witness the symbolic milk boiling ceremony—a sacred ritual signifying prosperity and new beginnings. The preparation of the Kavili Mesaya, or traditional sweet table, will follow—featuring a colourful spread of mouthwatering Avurudu treats like kokis, mung kavum, aluwa, and konda kavum. The celebration continues with a ceremonial oil lamp lighting, setting the tone for a day rooted in cultural elegance and island warmth.
The Kids’ Corner is all set to light up with playful delights such as Breaking Balloons and Placing the Eye on the Elephant, promising giggles and memories for the little ones. Families and groups can bond over light-hearted yet lively games including Fill the Bottle by Hand, Sack Races, and the ever-popular Musical Chairs—guaranteed to spark friendly competition and lots of laughs.
For those seeking a thrill, competitive events like Tug of War (Ladies vs Gents), Pillow Fight, and the classic Blindfolded Pot Breaking are sure to bring out the festive spirit in full force.
While the Avurudu festivities steal the spotlight, Sun Siyam Pasikudah continues to charm guests with its signature blend of tropical luxury and authentic Sri Lankan hospitality.
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